Hiking From Corniglia to Manarola

One of our favorite hikes in Cinque Terre is from Corniglia to Manarola.  The route is generally open along the ridge so that there are continuous expansive views of the hills, the sea, and the towns (one growing smaller, one growing larger as we proceed along the path).  Also, the trail passes through vineyards and the town of Volastra along the way.

We take the train from Monterosso two stops (7 minutes) south to Corniglia and climb the 382 steps (with 33 landings) from the train station to the town.

Steps to Corniglia

View from the top of the steps

After the steps, we follow an alley to the trail which quickly starts up.

Heading up

Corniglia already growing smaller

Continuing up

Monterosso in the distance

We continue up to the top of the ridge, then follow the trail south toward Manarola.

More up

Corniglia much smaller

Manarola starting to appear

Trail along the top of the ridge

 

Looking back at Corniglia and Monterosso

Soon we start passing through vineyards and fields of grapes (mostly picked so far, but a few workers are finishing up the harvest).

Passing through vineyards

Manarola getting closer

Above Manarola, we enter the small community of Volastra, where harvested grapes are still out in the streets prior to entering the winemaking process.

Passing through Volastra

Grapes in the streets

From Volastra, there are about 1,200 steps down to Manarola and we start down.

Stairway from Volastra to Manarola

We descend into Manarola, wander through, and find lunch.

Entering Manarola

Walking through town

Stopping at the harbor

View up the coast toward Corniglia and Monterosso

And for lunch:  cones of mixed fried fish.

Lunch

Another great day in this inviting, bewitching, magical land on Cinque Terre.

Continuing Around Palmaria Island

We continue hiking around Palmaria Island, walking away from Forte di Cavour and the resident goats.  The path is flat for a while as we cross the top of the island.

Continuing across the island

Leaving the fort and the goats behind

Soon we're able to see La Spezia in the distance and we then start to descend to catch the shuttle ferry back to Porto Venere.

La Spezia in the distance

Descending

At the bottom of the hill, we walk out on the pier and wait for the shuttle ferry.

Island fire truck

Porto Venere across the water

Local sea life

Ferry approaching

We reward ourselves when we reach Porto Venere with lunch at Al Gabbiano overlooking the harbor:  octopus and potato salad, pizza Porto Venere (anchovies), and pizza diavola (spicy sausage).

Octopus salad

Pizzas

After lunch, we catch the larger ferry up the coast back to Monterosso al Mare, stopping at the other Cinque Terre towns before reaching Monterosso, the northernmost town of the five.

Leaving Porto Venere

Cruising up the coast

Porto Venere and Isola Palmaria in the distance

Passing other towns

Arriving back in Monterosso

It's been a great day with a lot of variety:  Porto Venere, Isola Palmaria, two ferries, lunch.